Spring 2000
Zoonoses - Dirolfilariasis or Heartworm
The dog heartworm, Dirofilaria immitis can on rare occasions be transmitted to man when bitten by an infected mosquito. This is more likely to occur in areas with many infected dogs and where mosquitos are active. Surviving young adult worms become lodged in the pulmonary arteries resulting in a 1-3 cm diameter "coin lesion". These worms do not produce microfilaria. The disease is usually asymptomatic but occasionally symptoms of coughing, pain, and weight loss may be demonstrated. It is usually identified as an incidental finding on chest xrays.
Barry Young
Cats instinctively know the precise moment their owner will awaken; then they awaken them ten minutes earlier. |
Heartworm is a common and serious disease affecting dogs in Australia. The parasite is spread by mosquitos and is present throughout Australia, especially along the eastern seaboard being most prevalent in the tropical north. A percentage of cats also become affected by heartworm. Tablets are available to prevent this disease. 